In his latest film, Parthenope, Paolo Sorrentino immerses us once again in his cinematic world full of poetic images, memorable characters and a narrative that mixes nostalgia with introspection. Set in the magical and chaotic city of Naples, this work is presented as an intimate and universal homage to the place that deeply marked the filmmaker’s life. However, what really enhances the experience of this film is its soundtrack, a masterpiece signed by Lele Marchitelli, Sorrentino’s regular collaborator since The Great Beauty.
The Neapolitan essence through music
From the very beginning of Parthenope, the music emerges as another character. Lele Marchitelli, known for his ability to construct emotional landscapes through his compositions, delivers a score that not only complements the images, but amplifies them. The mix of classical and contemporary sounds is key to reflect the duality of Naples: a city caught between tradition and modernity.
In several interviews, Sorrentino has pointed out that music is not a complement in his films, but an extension of his visual narrative. This is clearly perceived in Parthenope, where Marchitelli’s original compositions dialogue with classic Neapolitan songs and popular hits, creating a sound collage that captures the essence of the city. Tracks such as Riccardo Cocciante’s Era già tutto previsto, which marked the 1970s, evoke an era of splendor and melancholy that resonates with the film’s story.
A soundtrack that multiplies emotions
Marchitelli achieves an exceptional balance between melodic pieces that reinforce the introspective moments and more expansive fragments that accompany the panoramas of Naples, filmed with Sorrentino’s characteristic opulence. A prime example is the climactic scene, where an original string piece accompanies a sequence shot that travels across the Gulf of Naples at dawn. The music guides the viewer, transforming a beautiful image into a deeply emotional experience.
The soundtrack, however, is not without its critics. Some specialists have commented that, at certain moments, the music can be too obvious, underlining emotions that the images already effectively convey. But, for others, this approach is a hallmark of Sorrentino’s cinema: a commitment to emotional exuberance that eschews subtle nuances to deliver a total sensory experience.
Influences and musical legacy
The use of popular songs and classical pieces is not a novelty in Sorrentino’s films, but in Parthenope it takes on a special significance. The selected songs function as a bridge between generations, evoking memories in the local viewer and giving the international audience a glimpse into the rich Neapolitan musical tradition. In an interview with La Repubblica, Marchitelli confessed that the biggest challenge was to balance traditional influences with a modern score that reflected the universality of the film.
Among the highlights of the soundtrack is a reinterpretation of Funiculì, Funiculà, adapted with contemporary instruments to transform a familiar melody into something completely new. In addition, Marchitelli introduces strategic silences, demonstrating that the absence of sound can be as powerful as the music itself.
An unforgettable sensory experience
Parthenope is a clear example of how music can become a fundamental pillar of cinematic narrative. The collaboration between Paolo Sorrentino and Lele Marchitelli remains one of the most fruitful in contemporary cinema, offering the viewer not only a story to watch, but a multi-sensory experience to live.
The soundtrack of Parthenope not only reflects the soul of Naples, but also the artistic vision of a director who understands music as an extension of the narrative. With this film, Sorrentino reaffirms his place as one of the great auteurs of today’s cinema, while Marchitelli consolidates himself as a composer capable of capturing the deepest emotions with every note.
Listen here to Cultura Revista’s list of the songs that appear in the film:
